Durham - John Lawson
JOHN LAWSON DURHAM
Source: Waveland Independent, July 15,1921
On Monday monring, June 13, 1921 the Great Architect of the universe erased the plans from the trestle board of Dr. John L. Durham and summoned his spirit to dwell with Him forever in realms of light and life eternal. Today, his friends and neighbors are gathered at this beautiful country home, so ideal and cordial in its atmosphere and surroundings, to do him honor, to pay a last tribute of respect and affection to to a life well spent -- a life that was a benediction and an inspiration to all whose privilege it was to meet an dknow Dr. Durham. He is gone. No more shall we see his kindly face or feel the warmth and sincerity of his hand clasp, or hear his voice in cordial greeting or friendly counsel but memory of him, of his works, his strength of character, his ministrations to the comfort and help of others, his bountiful, hospitality and kindness of heart, will remain as a guide and inspiration throughout the years. His life was lived for and among his friends and neighbors. There were no hidden chapters -- openness of conduct -- sincerity of speech -- courage of action -- and devotion to righteous cfause -- were prominent and predominating attributes of his character. As a friend, his constancy and integrity never wavered and in the bigness of his heart, he loved to be doing things that would bring pleasure to others. As a host, his hospitality was imcomporable. Many are they in this county and elsewheres who have shared and enjoyed with him the bounty of his home. As a husband and a father, he was all that his Maker could have intended - wise and patient counselor - generous in his provision - steadfast and true in his obligations. in the practice of his profession he was, until recent years when he became less active, energetic, efficient, modern and eminently successful. As a citizen, he was an honor to his country, and his state, both of which he served with distinction. As a man, he was four square - courageous, sympathetic, generous and true. His fidelity to his friends and his absolute and positive integrity in everything he undertook, are the salient features of his strong character and personality. He was essentially delightful in his manner, which was that of a gentleman at all time and places. He was an interesting conversationist and convincing with his foresight and logic. Verily it ay be said, "He was a good man and true." John L. Durham was born in Boyle Co, Ky, Oct 26, 1844 and departed this life at his home in Sullivan Co, Indiana, aged 76Y7M10D. He was the eldest son of Jesse Y & Martha (Tarkington) Durham, sturdy pioneers in the early history of Kentucky and Indiana. In 1850 his parents moved from Ky. to Montgomery Co, Indiana near Waveland where he spent his early life and attended district school and the Waveland Academy. He began the study of medicine with Dr. AT Steele and continued for 4 years under his instruction. In the fall of 1878 he entered the medical department of the louisville (KY) University from which he later graduated in 1880. He began the practice of medicine at Waveland but in 1879 moved to Merom, practiced there for a short time and in January 1881 located at Graysville. Here he continued his profession until the fall of 1887, when he moved to the present homestead. Dr. Durham was married to Mrs. Mary (Mann) Davis on Oct 5, 1881 and to them three children were born: Thomas M; James J and Martha Hayes; all of whom survive, besides four grandchildren, the children of Thomas M. and Martha three brothers and one sister. Six weeks ago, Mrs. Mary Mann Durham, the devoted wife and companion of Dr. Durham, preceded him to her heavenly home, where together again they shall remain in constant association throughout eternity. Dr. Durham was one of the early presidents of the Merom Bluff Chautaqua Association, in which capacity he served for three years, and was at the time of his death a member of the AMerican, Indiana and SUllivan co. Medical Associations. He was a member of hte Presbyterian Church and politically a Democrat. Under the administration of Pres. Cleveland, he served on the US Pension Board and in Feb 1908 was nominated for representative on the Dem. ticket, to which office he was elected Nov 3, 1909. He was a member of the IOOF and Masonic fraternities, and a Knight Templar. Despite the exactions of the practice of medicine, Dr. Duham took a keen delight in farming, and acfcquired during his life many acres of rich Wabash bottom farm lands. He was a progressive and successful farmer and spent the latter years of his life, after retirment from active practice in the management of his farm. Here in the friendly shade and protection of the trees, in the comfort of an ideal home, loved and respected by family and friends, Dr. Durham came to the end of Life's highway. Quiet serene and peaceful, as the passing of a cloud in the summer sky, his end cam e-- "God spoke and his spirit responded." Truly it may be siad of him that "he who notes even the sparrow's fall, ahs written on the Lamb's book of life, "Well done, good and faithful servant enter thou into the joys of thy Lord."